Serving Those Who Have Served

The Original GI Bill

In 1946, the University welcomed more than 9,000 World War II veterans with the help of the GI Bill, which covered tuition and expenses for returning veterans—and was authored in part by Syracuse University Chancellor William Pearson Tolley. By 1947 half of the student body were veterans.

Photo courtesy of Syracuse University Archives.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill

The Post-9/11 GI Bill was created after the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, and subsequent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Developed for service members since 9/11, it provides the same educational opportunities as for those who served during World War II.

Post-Service Education

Ryan Marquette L’22 says it’s because of the Post-9/11 GI Bill that he was able to pursue his studies. “Thanks to the GI Bill, I was able to not only pursue a law degree, but also a master's in public administration, and I became a member of Syracuse Law Review,” he says.

Yellow Ribbon Program

More than 80,000 service members nationwide applied for the Post-9/11 GI Bill when the bill was first enacted. Syracuse University has been a member of the Yellow Ribbon Program—which covers expenses beyond what is covered by the bill—since the program's inception.

Impact on the Next Generation

Brynn Taylor ’25 is studying forensic science using the Post-9/11 education benefit transferred from her father, Scott, who served more than two decades in the Army. “I feel really fortunate that he served and that I’m able to go to a good school,” Taylor says.